Painting the barn Students from Pillager High School, in conjunction with the MN CEP Program, spent many hours at the Pillager Fairgrounds recently, painting the barn in preparation for the upcoming fair. The paint was donated to the fair by Valspar, a Minneapolis based corporation. Pictured above, from left, Justin Melville, Toby Deuel, Michael Holland, Megan Paschke, Bryce McClain. Pictured at right, are Jezzirae Krueckeberg and Heather Tester. The Pillager Fair runs July 17 - 19. (Staples World photos by Dawn Schimpp Timbs) ATV rodeos, chicken dinners, kiddie contests, fireworks, a demo derby and a parade...just a few of the many items on the agenda for the upcoming Pillager Fair, scheduled for July 15 - 19.

Favorite fair activities will be back; and several new items are on the agenda as well, reports fairboard treasurer Donna Klimek.

The fair kicks off Wednesday, July 14, with 'Motocross,' a new event

that will be held in the demo derby area beginning at 7 p.m. "Motocross is a form of 'off road motorbike racing,'" Donna said, adding that it's an event for kids of all ages.

In preparation for Motocross, the demo track will be reworked with heavy equipment to include hills, jumps and straight-aways,

Donna said.

Also new this year is an 'Adult Coloring Contest.' Instructions can be found in the 2009 Cass County Fair-Pillager Premium book, found at local businesses. Several new games for kids have been added, as well as a new item in the food booth - 'Screwed Potatoes.'

Daily highlights of the 111th annual Pillager Fair

include:

o Thursday, July 16, is "Judging Day," featuring a

Best Dressed Pet Contest; Scarecrow Contest; and judging of a wide variety of exhibits, including livestock, vegetables, canned goods and crafts items.

o 'Kids Day' is Friday, July 17; and young people can look forward to a 'Kiddie Tractor Pull' at 5 p.m.; and tours of the Pillager School Day Care will be offered at 10 a.m.

'Kids' of all ages will want to come out for the Demo Derby Friday, at 7 p.m.

o Saturday, July 18, the annual parade begins at 10 a.m. Horse judging and the ATV Rodeo are scheduled at noon; followed by the ATV Pull at 3 p.m.; and Backseat Driving at 5 p.m.

Cowboy music "Lonesome Ron" will be performing at the Pillager Fair Sunday, July 19, beginning at noon, in the Pillager Community Center. A broasted chicken dinner, sponsored by KC's Saloon, will be served at that time. Tickets available at KC's and from Pillager Fairboard members. (Submitted photo) A 'Senior Citizens Pie Social' will be held during and after the parade at both the Community Center on the fairgrounds and the Senior Citizen Center.

Live music by former members of Silent Partner is scheduled at 8:30 p.m.; and fireworks by Dean Kuhn-Zambelli Fireworks begin at 10 p.m.

o Sunday, July 19, is the Grand Finale. A community church service will be held at noon; followed by the broasted chicken

dinner and music by cowboy

singing and yodeling 'Lonesome Ron.'

Other popular fair events scheduled include a Medallion Hunt (the winner will receive a $500 savings bond); and a dunk tank (take your best shot at some of the Pillager teachers sitting on the plank). A beer garden is available Friday and Saturday afternoons.

Another addition to the fair is the new kitchen in the Pillager Community Center, which will be used for the first time this year, Donna said. "This kitchen has been under construction for the past five years, as all of the funds to do the kitchen have been donated," she added.

With a 'Biscuits & Gravy'

breakfast offered Thursday - Saturday from 8 - 11 a.m.;

and a broasted chicken dinner available Sunday at noon (provided by KC's Saloon in Pillager), the new kitchen will definitely make things easier, Donna said.

Other improvements have been made to the fairgrounds as well.

Although the barn's roof is not new, volunteers have put hours of work into cleaning and sealing it; and have given it a fresh coat of grey paint.

The barn was also repainted recently, thanks to a grant from Valspar (who donated the paint); and the MN CEP program, which provided the services of Pillager High School students.

"The kids have done a fantastic job," said Jennifer Paananen fairboard vice president; and the person responsible for the grant application.

"We also had new barn doors installed, thanks to an AgStar grant last year," Jennifer added. "It's really starting to look nice."

For a complete list of scheduled events and contest rules, pick up a Pillager Fair Premium List booklet; available at local businesses. For more information, call the Fair Office at 218-746-3348 or visit www. pillagerfair.com.